Less than 10% of MIDI plc’s plans for development will be occupied by new buildings, according to its full planning application for the development of Manoel Island.

This comes after MIDI plc submitted its revised master plan following the approved outline permit.

The development will comprise three residential “clusters”, making up a total of 323 residential units, (down from 499 as originally intended in the masterplan).

The new plans seek to strike a balance between built and open spaces, with more priority given to the latter. Each building will not be more than four or five floors.

It also details large, detailed designs for open green spaces for the public, including a 10,000 sqm garden at the mouth of the island that will be full of indigenous flora, part of the total 186,000 sqm of open spaces across the Gżira island.

Old hospital to become a restaurant

MIDI plc’s plans also involve the restoration of the former Manoel Island Hospital into a restaurant. Meanwhile, the nearby building near St. George’s Chapel will be converted into a lapidarium, where archaeological artefacts will be displayed. The latter is a recent addition to the development, spearheaded by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

Fort Manoel will become a centre for arts and culture and will have full public access.

There will also be an underground car park for a pedestrianised experience on the ground, sports facilities, a new, improved yacht marina and no land reclamation.

What do you make of the new plans?